Carolyn Smith

Carolyn Marlene Smith passed away peacefully Sunday evening, February 6th, 2022, with her loving family surrounding her.

Carolyn was born in Jackson, Mississippi on June 9, 1948, to W.T. and Marlene Martin.  Her family soon moved to Canton, Mississippi, where she enjoyed a picturesque childhood filled with wonderful memories.  After graduating from Canton High School, where she played basketball and was a football cheerleader among many other activities, she went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Mississippi University for Women.  Her teaching journey allowed her to teach children at various schools and locations along the Gulf Coast.  While teaching in Gulfport, she met the love of her life, Rufus Smith.

In college, Carolyn was a member of the Rogue Social Club and each year she looked forward to their annual “retreat” with her favorite ladies, Pam Bell, Pam Cummings, Cissy George, Phyllis Keveryn, Jan King, Lynn Madden, Chapman Powell, Anne Sory, and Joyce Street.

Her passion for teaching did not stop as a schoolteacher. Carolyn volunteered at several schools to include Bayou View Elementary, Fatima Elementary and Nativity BVM Elementary Schools.  She shared her love of reading and books and assisted children who were struggling with reading in many capacities.  She loved to fill in as a substitute teacher and was always willing to volunteer to help in anyway.  She also taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at several churches, lastly at Trinity United Methodist Church in Gulfport, Mississippi, where she and her husband attended church for over 20 years.

After retiring, Carolyn enjoyed gathering with her Nativity BVM Elementary School family, Sharon Gentile, Josie Gee, Barbara Ziz, Daphne Hilton and Debbie Nastasi among others for their monthly dinners where they reminisced about their love of children, teaching and learning.

Carolyn’s greatest joy in life was her grandchildren.  She taught each one to read before they enrolled in school.  She was always available to be a chauffeur, personal shopper, field trip chaperone or to bring a requested lunch to school.  She attended every grandchild’s event and made sure that any need was met with love and patience that only she could provide.

She will be missed immensely by her husband of 47 years, Rufus; children, Martin (Jena), James (Alyson); grandchildren, M.J., Joelle, Attison, Claudia, Quinn, and Marley; as well as her sister, Martha (Danny Jo) O’Cain; brother Tommy (Linda) Martin; brother-in-law, Ruben (Susie) Smith; and sister-in-law Brenda (Buster) Webb; as well as Janet Mora; many nieces and nephews; and numerous extended family members; and many, many close friends.

Carolyn was predeceased by her parents, W.T. Martin and Marlene Martin and sister, Nelda Grimsley.

A celebration of Carolyn’s Life will be held on Saturday, February 12th, 2022, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 5007 Lawson Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39507, with visitation beginning at 12:00pm and services beginning at 2:00pm.  Burial will follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.

A visitation will be held 12-2 pm, Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Trinity United Methodist Church. A funeral service will be at 2 pm. Interment is Floral Hills.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Carolyn’s name to any Trinity United Methodist Church Children’s Programs.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is assisting the family with arrangements.